Chronicle Editor
KAVANGO Resources, a leading figure in the exploration sector, has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on communities in which it operates from, as part of its Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR) initiatives.
Highlighting the significance of community engagement, the company has consistently shown its dedication to uplifting local populations and promoting sustainable development. Beyond its shareholders, Kavango recognises its employees, local partners and the communities affected by its exploration activities as its most vital stakeholder groups.
Kavango’s operations play a crucial role in creating employment opportunities in the remote regions of Botswana and Zimbabwe. A key element of its success lies in forming strong partnerships with local entities.
In line with its corporate governance policy, the company actively seeks local partners who possess a deep understanding of the local exploration and mining landscape, as well as the regulatory frameworks within their countries, ensuring they can effectively manage and maintain projects.
The construction of Knocknara Primary School in Killarney, Ward 22 of Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province is part of the company’s endeavour to foster community development.
The project, through the support of Kavango, recently finally started after 19 years of its establishment.
Knocknara Primary School was established in 2005 and served as a satellite school of Tombo Primary School since then. The school was established to reduce the distance that learners in the area were travelling to Tombo Primary School.
Previously, learners had to travel between 14 to 20 kilometres to attend school.
The Government and generous supporters have contributed to the commencement of the school’s construction since the beginning of the year.
In an article recently published by Sunday News, the school headmaster, Mr Herbert Mpofu gave an insight into how the construction is going.
“Since its establishment, the school has been operating at a farm house. A site for the school was designated by the Department of Physical Planning, however, construction could not commence because the parents were not affording the special levy required to purchase cement, which is the most expensive component of the construction process,” he said.
He said early this year, they received donations from Insiza North Member of Parliament, Farai Taruvinga, followed by Mr Simon Bowman and Kavango Resources, which were used to facilitate the commencement of the construction.
Mr Mpofu said the legislator, Cde Taruvinga donated 50 bags of cement, which were used to construct six squat-hole Blair toilets.
“Following this, a miner from Knocknara Farm, Mr Bowman contributed 100 bags of cement that were used for moulding the bricks needed to set the foundation of the school.
“We also contacted the Human Resources (HR) department of Kavango Resources, an exploration company targeting world-class base and precious metal discoveries in Zimbabwe and Botswana, to request for a solar-powered borehole from its directors,” he added.
“While the request was being processed, the Government intervened in July and installed the solarised borehole through the Village Business Unit Scheme. Consequently, Kavango Resources shifted its focus to providing 200 bags of cement.”
He said the Village Business Unit Scheme was a programme being rolled out by the Government to enhance drought resilience and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Mr Mpofu said the borehole has significantly aided the construction efforts at the school through provision of water.
“On July 11, 2024, Kavango Resources donated 200 bags of cement, which will be used to mould bricks, while the remainder will contribute to the construction of a classroom block. This donation is timely and meets our needs effectively.”
The School Development Committee (SDC) member who preferred to remain anonymous expressed her joy over the developments taking place at the school site.
“It has taken us quite a long time to build on our new site. Each step forward is bringing happiness and hope to us,” said the SDC member.
The community has taken an active role in the construction by providing labour for the moulding of bricks and bringing locally available building materials like pit sand, quarry and river sand.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr Noel Chirwa expressed his gratitude to all the parties that made it possible to commence the construction process.
“The community of Killarney, Ward 22 is grateful for the assistance rendered, we could not have done it alone,” he said.
In an interview, Kavango Zimbabwe, human resources manager, Mr Menelisi Ncube reiterated the importance of their corporate governance policy revealing that, just this year they had embarked on several major community initiatives, empowering the communities they operate from.
“This substantial contribution is poised to significantly enhance the school’s infrastructure, thereby creating a conducive learning environment for the pupils.
The warm reception extended by the school community further underscored the positive impact of Kavango’s contribution, reflecting the tangible difference the company is making in the lives of the students and educators at Knocknara Primary School.
“We are talking of a school that is currently operating in a farmhouse, so that cement will go a long way in constructing a classroom block and teachers’ cottage, a project in which the community is engaged. We will continue supporting them through various initiatives until they achieve their goals,” said Mr Ncube.
Kavango Resources’ unwavering commitment to social corporate responsibility and community development serves as a testament to the company’s ethos of responsible and sustainable resource development. Through its strategic initiatives and genuine dedication to making a difference, Kavango Resources continues to exemplify the positive impact that responsible corporate citizenship can have on local communities, emphasising its role as a catalyst for positive change and sustainable development.
Online Reporter